Out on the town this October? Here are some of the most fun and fabulous local galas, fundraisers, celebrations and other events to see and be seen at this month around Marin County and beyond.
Oct 4 and 5 Marin Foster Care’s Blues and Brews
The Marin Foster Care Association hosts its annual Blues and Brews fundraiser—consisting of two evenings of dining, cocktails, music and a live auction (the first evening is a fun Western theme). This year’s festivities are at Pacheco Ranch Winery in Novato. With more than 120 open foster cases in the dependency system each year in Marin, all funds raised directly support Marin’s foster youth and their caregivers. Photos by Chris Constantine.
Oct 6 Exploratorium’s Wonder Funday
Wonder Funday is an epic playdate and vital fundraiser all rolled into one. Spend an inspiring Sunday afternoon with your family and friends while helping to support community access programs at the Exploratorium. Dig deeper into the museum’s exhibits, experience exciting science activities, and enjoy a beautiful afternoon on the Bay.
Oct 10 Marin CASA’s Voices for Hope Gala
Held at the Seminary at Strawberry in Mill Valley, this inspiring evening to benefit Marin CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) promises wine, dinner and a live auction. The organization is also honoring Judge Beverly Woods, a beloved long time dependency judge set to retire. Marin CASA supports 120 youths in the foster care and juvenile justice systems through relationship-based advocacy, plus helps prevent children from entering foster care as well as young individuals as they transition out of the foster care system.
Oct 12 St. Vincent de Paul’s Pennies from Heaven
The St. Vincent de Paul Society of Marin‘s annual Pennies from Heaven gala supports the society’s programs for those in need of food and shelter in Marin County. In 2023, the sold-out gala raised $600,000 for services for homeless and food-insecure people. Photos: Steven Gregory Photography
Oct 18 Lifehouse Annual Awards Dinner
This annual dinner attracts hundreds of people who fill the banquet hall at the Embassy Suites to recognize the outstanding contributions of businesses and individuals standing behind Lifehouse—a dynamic organization serving adults with developmental disabilities for nearly 70 years. Photos by Richard Wheeler.
Oct 19 Resilient Neighborhood’s Party for a Cooler Planet
Marin nonprofit Resilient Neighborhoods is celebrating 13 years of helping Marin residents combat climate pollution and build stronger communities. Its annual fundraiser, Party for a Cooler Planet, offers inspiring speakers, a delicious garden-to-table dinner, and opportunities to connect with other like-minded individuals about their climate actions and efforts to reduce Marin’s climate impact.
Oct 19 Make It Home’s Salvage and Style Gala
San Rafael’s Make It Home has a mission to turn trash into treasure. The nonprofit collects unwanted furniture which is then repurposed into creating livable home environments for low-income individuals and families all over the Bay Area, and just introduced a new recycling program. The evening includes specialty cocktails, a sit-down dinner, live auction and more.
Oct 26 Milagros & Memories: Celebration of Dia de los Muertos
Experience an unforgettable Día de los Muertos evening where tradition meets festivity at the Sausalito Center of the Arts. This vibrant night, benefitting SCA, celebrates the work of iconic Latin American artists local to the San Francisco Bay Area, plus offers delicious Mexican food and drinks through the night. Master magician and comic Jay Alexander serves as master of ceremonies. Photos by Stuart Webb.
Oct 26 SuperNatural at the California Academy of Sciences
Join the California Academy of Sciences for the best Halloween party in the Bay Area, which also serves as the museum’s Fall fundraiser. From a giant pumpkin carving demon-stration, special coral reef dive program, and spooky skulls and specimens, to silent disco, scavenger hunts, and sweets, treats, and libations—this is the costume party your family won’t want to miss.
Give Back When You Go Out: Volunteer
Looking for more ways to give back to our community by volunteering your time? Here’s a list of Marin County nonprofits supporting a variety of causes — ranging from helping our most vulnerable residents to keeping our environment healthy — where your assistance can really make a difference.
